ALL PHASES OF THE CRIMINAL PROCESS ARE EXAMINED. THE IMPORTANT THRESHOLD DECISION OF THE VICTIM TO ACTIVATE THE CRIMINAL PROCESS BY REPORTING HIS VICTIMIZATION TO THE POLICE IS EXAMINED IN FOUR CHAPTERS FROM DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES. THE VICTIM'S NEEDS AND PERCEPTIONS AS HE COOPERATES WITH THE PROSECUTION ARE CAREFULLY DOCUMENTED. ALSO, THE VICTIM'S INFLUENCE ON THE PROSECUTION AND OUTCOME OF THE CASE IS EXAMINED. OTHER CHAPTERS REPORT ON NEW PROGRAMS FOR IMPROVING THE TREATMENT WHICH VICTIMS RECEIVE FROM THE POLICE, PROSECUTORS, AND CORRECTIONAL EXPERTS AS WELL AS FROM THE VICTIM COMPENSATION COMMISSIONS. AUTHOR AND SUBJECT INDEXES ARE INCLUDED. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT) (SNI ABSTRACT)